First Paddling Experience (Three Hour Intro to Canoe, Kayak and Paddle Board)
First Paddling Experience
Objectives- Familiarize first-time Paddlers with general Boating and Water Safety and broadly introduce the sports of CANOEING, KAYAKING AND PADDLE BOARDING
Course Length- 3 hours
AM Session (9:00-12:00) or (10:00-1:00)
PM Session 1:00-4:00
Ages- Scouts must be at least 7 years old
Group Size- All programs are treated as private Troop events. Troops can schedule events individually or as combined troops. There must be a minimum of 10 scouts and a maximum of 60 scouts.
Cost per Scout (or adult leader)- $25
*Adult leaders are welcome to participate
Description- Our CSUN Boating Instructors/Lifeguards will meet you on our private paddling beach with boats, paddle and life jackets ready to get used. Our Instructors will explain PFDs (personal floatation devices) focusing on how to choose, fit and wear, before practicing some strategies in the water. After that, our Instructors will introduce our paddle craft, paddles and some general strokes and self-rescue techniques according to Scouting Standards. After we will have the majority of our time to 'learn by doing' practicing these skills on our own, via fun games and activities.
This program is designed for young scouts (7 years and older) or scouts who have had little to no exposure to paddle sports. This day of acclimation and empowerment is a great, foundational first step before pursuing Merit Badge level skills.
*Times are flexible
**Two Hour Kayak or Canoe only sessions are available upon request
Single Day Skills Program
Single Day Programs
During these Full day (five hour) courses, we will focus in on Scout curriculum for each badge or award. The vast majority of these days will be spent outside, taking part in on-water, active, hands-on learning.
Each badge/award program is custom tailored to the age and previous experience level of your scouts. Depending on the badge, or experience that the troop leader is interested in, additional days may be recommended to increase competency and confidence in these skills.
Single Day Skills Program
Objectives- Learn the skills and knowledge to receive a Scout Badge/Award
Course Length- Single Day, Five Hours
Each day runs 9:00-3:00 or 10:00-4:00
Ages- Scouts must be at least 7 years old
Group Size- All programs are treated as private Troop events. Troops can schedule events individually or as combined troops. There must be a minimum of 6 scouts and a maximum of 24 scouts.
Cost per Scout (or adult leader)- $35.00
Description- Between our Center Classrooms, beaches, docks and boating equipment our Boating Instructors/Lifeguards will teach all material according to Boy Scout curriculum. Our engaging educators make learning active, and fun while being safe. Single Day Programs we offer are the following:
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Small boat Sailing
- Water Sports
- Stand Up Paddling (Award)
Blue Cards and Badges
Blue Cards will be signed off by CSUN Aquatic Center registered Merit Badge Counselors. Single Day programs are not designed for first time paddlers to receive their Badge. Single Day programs are designed to introduce a strong foundation of paddling skills. Only Scouts that have prior paddling experience, or have already completed portions of their blue card requirements may be eligible to receive their badge after a single day at the CSUN Aquatic Center.
Two Day Badge Program
Two Day Programs
During these two full-day (five hour) courses, we will focus in on Scout curriculum for each badge or award. The vast majority of these days will be spent outside, taking part in on-water, active, hands-on learning.
Each badge/award program is custom-tailored to the age and previous experience level of your scouts. Depending on the badge, or experience that the troop leader is interested in, additional days may be recommended to increase competency and confidence in these skills.
Comprehensive Two Day Skills Program
Objectives- Learn the skills and knowledge to receive a Scout Badge/Award
Course Length- Two Days, Five Hours each
Each day runs 9:00-3:00 or 10:00-4:00
Ages- Scouts must be at least 7 years old
Group Size- All programs are treated as private Troop events. Troops can schedule events individually or as combined troops. There must be a minimum of 6 scouts and a maximum of 24 scouts.
Cost per Scout (or adult leader)- $70.00
Description- Between our Center Classrooms, beaches, docks and boating equipment our Boating Instructors/Lifeguards will teach all material according to Boy Scout curriculum. Our engaging educators make learning active, and fun while being safe. Single Day Programs we offer are the following:
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Small boat Sailing
- Water Sports
- Stand Up Paddling (Award)
Blue Cards and Badges
Blue Cards may be signed off by CSUN Aquatic Center registered Merit Badge Counselors. Two Day programs are designed for first time paddlers to receive their Badge. Two Day programs are designed to introduce a strong foundation of paddling, and rescue skills, as well as additional maintenance and equipment based knowledge.
Tow Sports- Wakeboard and/or Waterski
Intro and Skills Development Sessions are available for private Troop events.
0-6 Scouts- 2hr minimum- $185 per hour
7-12 Scouts- 2hr minimum- $370 per hour
Blue Card Assessment Only
For Troops with prior experience and ready to be tested.
2 Hour sessions for 0-20 Scouts
$10- Per Scout
*Not applicable for tow sports
Other Boating Experiences- Private Custom Scouting Events
For custom needs our Center is more than happy to work with you to create the perfect private event. Please call us at 661-257-0571, or email
to create your ideal program!
Private Programs include-
My First Sail Program
Boy Scout Competitions
What is Included in your Fee
Vehicle Entry fees waived into the Castaic Lake Recreation Area
A shaded picnic area and BBQ pits
Access to a private paddling beach
Red Cross Certified Lifeguards and Boating instructors
Canoes, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards
All necessary paddling equipment (Lifejackets, paddles, etc)
SMART Classrooms if classroom session are included in your program
Water Jugs and Water Fountains throughout the park (We do not provide bottles or cups)
*Transportation and food are not provided
**CSUN reserves the right to cancel or reschedule programs due to inclement weather
